[FESTER]

Well I don't know where you are coming from, but if you are looking at the U.P. you had better like snow. You won't find a Costco or Sams club up here but we have a lot of Wally world stores. Marquette is pretty nice, The Soo not so much. 300K will buy a mansion with land or a nice lakefront home most anyplace above the bridge. I would advise a visit first. Good luck and welcome.

[bookworm42]

Originally Posted by alleyyooper

Farwell is the place to be. Lake, Sears or Hersey are close seconds. Kingsley and copmish are a good third choice.

Al

These are some tiny towns. Nonetheless, we'll still look at them.

Originally Posted by Peter B

I am biased but I'll say research the Traverse City area. Any questions, ask

What's Traverse City like? Based on population statistics, it looks like a "big little town".

Originally Posted by FESTER

Well I don't know where you are coming from, but if you are looking at the U.P. you had better like snow. You won't find a Costco or Sams club up here but we have a lot of Wally world stores. Marquette is pretty nice, The Soo not so much. 300K will buy a mansion with land or a nice lakefront home most anyplace above the bridge. I would advise a visit first. Good luck and welcome.

Coming from Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is very nice, but is starting to go downhill. We're used to snow, so that won't be an issue. Not a huge fan of Wal-Mart, so I don't shop there. Are there any specific grocery chains located in Northern Michigan? What's wrong with Sault Ste. Marie?

[scolls]

Originally Posted by bookworm42

These are some tiny towns. Nonetheless, we'll still look at them.



What's Traverse City like? Based on population statistics, it looks like a "big little town".



Coming from Northeastern Pennsylvania, which is very nice, but is starting to go downhill. We're used to snow, so that won't be an issue. Not a huge fan of Wal-Mart, so I don't shop there. Are there any specific grocery chains located in Northern Michigan? What's wrong with Sault Ste. Marie?

Glen's is popular in northern Michigan but it's very expensive for the same quality as Walmart. I'm not sure how much different NE Pennsylvania is compared to the Pittsburgh area, but I've been to Pittsburgh and if that is downhill, you won't find things any better in Michigan.

What's wrong with Sault Sainte Marie is, it's the ghetto of the UP if you will. It's run down, old and dirty looking.

[Bydand]

I was wondering how long it would take before you drug your sorry ass in here scolls. Bookworm, just go back and read his past posts to see what his overall attitude is and how to take his posts.

The Soo should be old, it is one of the oldest cities in the interior of the Country, settled back in 1668.

[michmoldman]

Yes...dont pay much attention to him. scolls will tell you if its not a thriving city with every house and building kept in perfect shape and low unemployment...its a dump.
Meijers is the probably the best grocery chain around here. Traverse City has everything most people need, and its a fantastic area, with many awesome smaller towns nearby. Its close to the bays and lake Michigan. I would say its probably one of the most sought out areas of northern Michigan.

[magellan]

Actually, I'd agree with Scolls on this one. Sault Ste Marie is in horrible shape. There's a pocket of nice businesses down along the park near the locks, but that's about it. The rest is pretty vacant and rundown, until you get out by the strip malls, Wal-Mart and hotels by the highway (woohoo, exciting).

[darstar]

biased I am...however , Marquette is hands down the best choice considering your flexible needs and indoor work accommodation requirements. Come and take one look at Lake Superior...and you will be sold....I guarantee it !

[scolls]

Originally Posted by Bydand

I was wondering how long it would take before you drug your sorry ass in here scolls. Bookworm, just go back and read his past posts to see what his overall attitude is and how to take his posts.

The Soo should be old, it is one of the oldest cities in the interior of the Country, settled back in 1668.

While you're at, read the replies to my posts and see how they attack me personally and never provide anything to disprove what I say.

[beachmouse]

Another suggestion to look about 20-30 miles outside of Traverse City. Traverse City is a good commercial and entertainment hub when you do want to get out of the house, you have a good pick of both lakeside and inland small towns and rural proeprties, and the weather is better than what you'd find in Marquette when you do venture outside.

And if you do actually need something from a larger city other than NFL football, Grand Rapids has more to offer the Traverse City day or weekend tripper than Green Bay has to offer the Marquette resident.

[darstar]

It is interesting that here in Marquette we have a lot of folks who have lived in the Soo, many that were born there , and came here for jobs and a better way of life in general.....yet , I have talked to several who , when they retire....they plan on moving back to the Soo area....I think there is a distinct difference between the eastern U.P. and the Western U.P. as far as the mind set of the people. Whether its a stronger connection with Lower MI. or Ontario , or whatever , it does exist. I believe it be mostly geographic, Marquette being a direct shot north of Chicago, 45 min by air , 6 hours by car.
All this means little in the scream of things , but could contribute somewhat to the love-hate relationship people seem to have with the Eastern U.P.--the Soo metro area being the second largest community in the U.P....Then there is Ironwood on the other end of our strip of wilderness...thats another story.